US Cyclist Sanctioned for Doping

USADA announced today that Shelby Stacy, of Bakersfield, Calif., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a suspension for her doping offense.

Stacy, 18, tested positive for methylhexaneamine, a stimulant, as a result of a urine sample collected at the BMX National Championships, on April 1, 2012, in Chula Vista, Calif. Stimulants are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Methylhexaneamine is classified as a Specified Substance, and therefore the presence of that substance in an athlete's sample can result in a reduced sanction.Â Â

Stacy accepted a sanction resulting in a six-month period of ineligibility, beginning on May 1, 2012, the date she accepted a provisional suspension. As a result of the sanction, Stacy is also disqualified from all results obtained during any Competition at the BMX National Championships on April 1, 2012 and any other competitive results obtained subsequent to April 1, 2012, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

Stacy informed USADA that at the time of her positive test she was taking a supplement which upon further review listed 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (Geranium [Stem]) on the label. 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is a name sometimes used by supplement companies to refer to methylhexaneamine. USADA issued an athlete advisory on June 16, 2011 to make athletes aware of the concerns regarding methylhexaneamine, including issues involving supplement labeling. That advisory can be found on the USADA website at http://www.usada.org/media/methylhexaneamine-and-dietary-supplements.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.